Game Preview: Streaking Pistons, Wizards Meet
The Detroit Pistons(20-24) host the Washington Wizards(23-19) tonight at The Palace Of Auburn Hills. The game begins at 6:00 pm EST.
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The Wizards have turned their season around after early struggles. They have won their last four games, behind the star play of the point guard John Wall. He had 29 points and 13 assists in the Wizards 113-110 win over the New York Knicks on Thursday. Small forward Otto Porter, who is enjoying a career year with Washington, added 23 points and six rebounds. This season Porter is averaging 14.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He is a deadly threat from behind the arc, as he is shooting 45.8% from deep this season.
Washington has seriously turned their season around. After starting the year with one of the worst records in the league, they have battled back and are holding down 5th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Pistons are currently on a winning streak of their own. In their last two contests, Detroit has taken down the Lakers and most recently the Hawks. Detroit blew out Atlanta, 118-95. Detroit scored 42 points in the first quarter and never cooled down enough for the Hawks to make it interesting. The Pistons had six players score in double figures. Reggie Jackson, who ESPN has reported to be involved in trade talks between Detroit and the Minnesota Timberwolves, had 26 points, 5 rebounds, and four assists. Andre Drummond finished with another double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Tobias Harris(19), Reggie Bullock(15), Marcus Morris(14), and Aron Baynes(12) all scored in double figures.
Detroit is attempting to do the same as Washington and turn their season around. It remains to be seen if they can turn around their disappointing season so far, but their last two games have shown promise.
Probable Starting Lineup:
Detroit Pistons
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Reggie Bullock
SF: Marcus Morris
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Andre Drummond
Washington Wizards
PG: John Wall
SG: Bradley Beal
SF: Otto Porter
PF: Markieff Morris
C: Marcin Gortat
Injuries:
Both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope(shoulder) and Jon Leuer(ankle) are both questionable to play. Leuer was a full participant at practice on Friday, while Caldwell-Pope was "very limited" yesterday. It seems that if either of the two play, Leuer would be the one to do so.
Featured image: Brad Mills/USA Today Sports